NLEX Corp. has secured the Toll Regulatory Board’s (TRB) approval to increase the toll rate at Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) starting Tuesday, October 17.
In a statement, NLEX said the TRB granted the toll rate adjustment for SCTEX and authorized the implementation of an additional P0.64 per kilometer fee. The new rates are part of the authorized SCTEX periodic adjustment due in 2021 and 2023.
TRB and SCTEX agreed to implement the toll adjustments in three tranches over a period of three years to mitigate the impact on the motoring public due to high inflation.
Under the new toll fee matrix, motorists with class 1 vehicles traveling between Mabalacat City and Tarlac will be charged an additional P25; class 2 vehicles, additional P50; and class 3 vehicles, additional P75.
Meanwhile, an additional P40, P81 and P121 will be charged to motorists using class 1, 2 and 3 vehicles, respectively, traveling between Mabalacat City and Tipo, Hermosa, Bataan (near Subic Freeport).
Those traveling SCTEX end-to-end between Tipo, Hermosa and Bataan (near Subic Freeport) to Tarlac will pay an additional P65 for class 1, P131 for class 2, and P196 for class 3.
The new rates were approved last August but SCTEX decided to defer implementation to October in light of the inflationary situation.
With these toll rate adjustments, TRB said NLEX Corp. is expected to operate and maintain the SCTEX in accordance with the required level of service and standards and will pursue necessary improvements and expansion works that shall redound to the benefit of the tollway users by way of safe, convenient, fast and worthy travel experience at the SCTEX.
From 2020 to 2022, the company said, it undertook numerous infrastructure and enhancement projects as part of its commitment to improve motorist safety and convenience while traveling the SCTEX.
These include the upgrading of roadway lights and signage, maintenance and toll plaza improvement works, pavement replacement and crack sealing, guardrail and fence repairs, RFID system enhancements, toll systems upgrades, the Dinalupihan road raising project, and the Porac Gumain, San Matias and Pasig Potrero bridges repairs.
The SCTEX is 94-kilometer modern toll road supports Central Luzon’s evolution into a major multi-modal logistics and transshipment hub in Asia. Connected to the North Luzon Expressway from Manila, travel time from Clark to Subic has been reduced to 40 minutes and Clark to Tarlac to 25 minutes.
SCTEX the shortest, most direct and most efficient link connecting the Subic Bay Freeport Zone in Zambales, the Clark Freeport Zone in Pampanga and the Central Technopark in Tarlac. – Myla Iglesias
